Chapter One These days, the most troublesome thing about divorce is packing this matter!Ennis put the saucer on the packing box and said, "Look, you won't find a house like this again!"Of course, she ruined it!Simon Xiao looked up and watched the movers pack Hockney (Note: David Hockney, is a British painter and printmaker.) in bubble pads.As the worker bends over, he reveals the typically British worker's butt cleft between his T-shirt and his dirty, nearly-lost jeans.Ennis was a little disdainful, and returned to the kitchen, sorting out the piles of expensive items in the kitchen, which would be delivered to the former Mrs. Xiao's villa in the South Eden area.

Simon took a sip of the flavored tea Ennis had mixed for him, and looked around. This house, known as a mansion, is located in central London, spacious and elegant, almost a paradise at the end of the quiet Kensington Square.Caroline has lived here for three years, and God knows how much it cost to decorate the house into the beautiful and almost perfect appearance it is today, and such a beautiful house makes people's daily life chaotic.The ceiling and walls are carefully painted in a faded look; antique silk curtains are lightly flowing across the floor; the fireplace of the eighteenth century was imported from France across the ocean; there are also hand-embroidered cushions and finely carved The table legs are so delicate that it is shocking, just like a mansion that appeared in a magazine.

Caroline's friends who lived on salads and occasionally had a glass of white wine were slim and bright, and they had a soft spot for this house, and Caroline and her designers couldn't help but love it!Simon often feels like a sloppy uninvited guest, smoking secretly in his study, because the hostess does not like the smell of cigars in the living room; or the treacherous hostess wants to plan the main room into an elegant urban life The space is exactly as seen in the photos. In the end, Simon seemed like a stranger in the house, spending his days at the office and spending his evenings with clients while Caroline entertained and mockingly called herself an advertising widow.If he came home before the guests had left, Caroline would tell everyone that her poor husband had returned home after a hard day's work.When they were alone, she would poke fun at his absence, his weariness, his over-professionalism, his indifference (she never used a word other than indifference) to herself.Their mutual respect almost pushed Simon towards the other woman in the office, Simon's secretary.No matter how late Caroline called, the secretary was always there.When Simon divorced his first wife, Caroline was the secretary who waited in the office. She cared for Simon and wore very short skirts.Of course, she never complained about his late return.

In fact, Caroline must also know that there is no female third party, and Simon has no privacy for adultery.His life has always been run by others, even taking a bath, and that person is Ennis.The battle of bathing was one of the few battles Caroline lost, and from beginning to end, her opponent was Ennis.She often referred to the unusual relationship between the two men in her late-night backlash with Simon. Ennis has been with Simon for nearly ten years. In the early days, he was Simon's driver. At that time, the only official car was an old Ford. Gradually, he became Simon's indispensable housekeeper: As a parking boy, a personal assistant, a confidant, a friend, and a helper for all kinds of things, he is very efficient and never gets tired.He is also a qualified Rolls-Royce car mechanic, a versatile floral designer, and his cooking skills are much better than Caroline.He very much disagreed with Caroline's extravagance.Sociability and ignorance of domestic affairs.She loathes him because she cannot deport him.Simon had been caught between this man and woman for many years.At least, this triangle relationship is finally over.Do you know what Caroline said when they got divorced and left the law firm?She said: "Simmon finally has full custody of Ennis.

sorry!big boss!Two movers stand in front of Simon, dust cover covers stacked on their arms, and if you don't mind, we're moving the couch now, which goes to Eden like everything else! Are you taking your cup and saucer with you? Boss, we are just following orders and doing our duty! I'm not a big boss who eats people and doesn't spit out bones! Excuse me, big boss! Simon got out of the sofa, walked through the double doors, and entered the already empty dining room.Ennis was tidying up in the adjoining kitchen, whistling, and Simon recognized a short passage from Rossini's overture.Caroline had always disliked classical music, and only grudgingly put up with Glyndebourne for social reasons, and classical concerts were an excellent excuse for her new wardrobe.

The kitchen had always been Simon's favorite room in the house, partly because (he finally admitted now) it was the corner Caroline least visited.He and Ennis teamed up to design the kitchen, which was equipped with a Le Cornu professional stove the size of a water storage tank, and it was also equipped with heavy cast iron copper alloy pans, assorted knives and wood-grain chopping boards, and a dessert table. Marble tabletops and two large refrigerators; there is a separate pantry at the end of the room.On the teak dining table in the center of the room, there are bottles and cans collected by Ennis from the living room bar.Ennis stopped whistling when Simon walked in.

He said: Lisa is calling, and there is a report from a supervisor at six o'clock. The securities analyst of the hero company wants you to call him and talk about the plan for the last season.Ennis looked at the note next to the phone, and the agency asked, can someone look at the house tomorrow night?They said it was a musician who knows what a musician stands for nowadays? Maybe an assistant drummer in a rock band! Honey, I understand.That's the most inappropriate thing, but what can you do?They have money! Simon pulled a chair from the table and sat down heavily.His back ached and his shirt felt uncomfortably tight around his stomach.He has gained too much weight.Too many lunch dates, too many meetings, and not enough exercise.He looked at Ennis, who was forty-eight years old but looked only thirty-eight, still slender, with a narrow face that was smooth and unwrinkled, blond hair cut snugly, wearing a dark blue suit and white shirt, with a flat belly, No double chin either.This, Simon thought, is what years of self-discipline bring you.There was a rumor in the advertising world that Ennis had had a face-lift while on holiday abroad; but Simon knew it was all thanks to a cream from a dermatologist in Bailey Street (£50 a jar), and the Used regularly in the office.This is one of the magic weapons for Ennis to keep his spirits high.

Want me to put you through Lisa?Ennis picked up the microphone, raised his eyebrows, and tightened the corners of his mouth. Well, I don't think I can face my bad luck tonight.Ask Lisa, is it possible to move the directors meeting to tomorrow? Ennis nodded as Simon searched for Laphroaig among the bottles and jars on the table.The glasses had already been packed, so he had to pour the whiskey into the teacup and listen to Ennis talking inadvertently. Well, if Mr. Jordan gets mad, he can go out into the garden and catch bugs and eat them.Mr. Xiao must postpone the meeting.Really back today, our home is a mess, this situation is out of control at all.

Ennis looked at Simon, rolling his eyes up as he listened to Lisa's response, and he interrupted her I know, I understand.When we have a better grasp of the situation, tomorrow we will deal with the villain from the hero company.Be a little diplomatic, my dear!Tell a little lie!I know, as long as you want to, you can do it.I've heard of you and your boyfriend mushroom. Not wanting to hear Lisa's answer, Ennis took the microphone away from his ear. Honey, it's up to you.See you tomorrow. He put down the microphone, glanced at the teacup in front of Simon, and frowned.He opened a packed carton, took out a glass, wiped it with a silk handkerchief from his suit pocket, and poured a tall glass of whiskey.

Here, here you are!He took the teacup away and put it in the sink.I know that everything needs to be tried, but you have to maintain a certain level.Would you like some water? What did she say? Oh, not crying and screaming and gnashing of teeth.Ennis shrugged. Obviously, the executive meeting has been missed twice, and they must be pissed off!Especially Mr. Jordan, and we know that it takes little trouble to make Mr. Jordan go mad first. He was right.Jordan's knack for dealing with boring clients matched his egotistical nature, and he naturally felt slighted.Simon had only reassured Jordan this morning.He then took another sip of whiskey.He felt the shudder go straight to his stomach, and then he remembered that he hadn't eaten all day.

For the first time, he felt free at night, sitting at a corner table in Connaught with a book, but he didn't want to eat alone.He could call his friends, but then the dinner with friends would inevitably revolve around the theme of Caroline and divorce.But eating with colleagues in the advertising agency is always inseparable from old topics such as customers, new opportunities, and office politics.He looked down at the tabletop, squinting at the rays of sunlight bouncing off the bottle.He will miss this room. Well, what are you doing tonight? Ennis put down the stack of plates that were supposed to be put in the cardboard box, and stood there, resting his chin on one hand and stroking his eyebrows with the other, in a very elegant and slightly theatrical manner. Now, I haven't decided whether I'm going to a masquerade at Wimbledon or a curry dinner at the Star of India. Would you like to have dinner here?Right here in this kitchen.We've never eaten here and the house will probably sell next week! Maybe!Ennis said: "I think I can find time.He smiled, okay, I like it.What would you like to eat for the last supper? I grabbed a bottle of '73 Petrus from the cellar before they cleared it out, so let's have something to go with it for dinner! Ennis looked at his watch.I'll be back in an hour.Why don't you call the guy from The Good Man Company?Get it over with. Simon heard the front door shut, and as he walked past the study (which had been used by the movers for a break and a meal), a big bus sped by.The once magnificent room is now empty, leaving only the phone on the floor, and Simon's suitcase is lying alone in the corner where the table was originally placed, a packing cardboard box facing upwards, on which there are messy The remnants of countless afternoon teas: dirty teacups, an old electric kettle, used tea bags, a tin of milk that has been opened, a copy of The Sun and a crystal ashtray Simon bought it at Jasper, and it was piled high with cigarette butts.The air smells of spilled milk, cigarettes and sweat.Simon opened a window, lit a cigarette in self-defense, sat on the floor, and picked up the phone. Hero Brothers, Lavin, Rousseau and Fansi, hello!The switchboard's voice sounded bored and irritated, as if she had been interrupted while she was doing her manicure and reading Kombodan. Please pick up Mr. Wickenson, this is Simon Xiao. terribly sorry!She sounds in a good mood.Mr. Wickenson is in a meeting, who do you say you are? My surname is Xiao, Xiao Saimeng of the Xiao Group.I have told you four times.I called Mr. Wickenson back, and he said he had something urgent to call me.My surname is Xiao, do you want me to spell it out for you? Simon heard her sigh, and she seemed to want him to hear it.I'll see if I can interrupt Mr. Wickenson. God!The wimpy switchboard answered his call, and now he's forced to listen to Lavelle's Bolero while Wickenson decides whether to answer the call. .More than once, Simon wondered if taking the company public would be a good thing. Lavelle's music was cut off midway, and Wickenson's appreciative voice came from the other end of the phone.Mr. Xiao? Or who did he think it was?good afternoon!Simon greeted him, you looking for me? Yes, Mr. Xiao.We are in a meeting and looking at your fourth quarter statement.He sounded like a doctor discussing a bad case.Simon could even hear the paper turning.Your plan Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, mention forty percent of the annual budget. That's right! I see!Don't you think that's a little too optimistic given the retail market conditions at hand?You'll have to forgive me for saying this, London is a little cold for advertising these days.The general agencies are not very happy, and the recovery is not as expected.Perhaps your estimates should be a little more conservative. Simon thought, here we go again!We have to start from the first chapter of Kaizong Mingyi.Mr. Wickenson, the advertising industry had the best performance and the best profit in the fourth quarter.Coincidentally, Christmas falls in December every year.All major companies have advertised aggressively.Consumers take what they pay, and everyone spends.It is now the end of September, and the clients have agreed to advertise.Time slots and layouts for air channels and newspaper media have been booked! Mr. Xiao, ordering does not mean that the customer will pay.We all know this.Are you confident in the stability of your customers?Is there no possibility for them to co-purchase or take over the business?Are there any funding issues? As far as I know, no! as far as you know.Wickenson paused for a moment, making one feel his doubts.He's the kind of guy who throws silence like cold water. Simon fought again.Mr. Wickenson, if there hadn't been a nuclear war, or an outbreak of bubonic plague, we would have achieved the goals on the report.If there is a nuclear war or the plague, we will be finished with all the businesses in the UK, including the brothers and sisters! Fuck together?Mr. Xiao? That means unemployed!Mr Wickenson! I understand.Besides this unhelpful comment, do you have anything to add? Mr. Wickenson, over the past nine years, you know very well that the company's performance and profits have grown tremendously.This is our best year ever.We have only ninety days left to work hard, and there is no reason to doubt that we will not meet the estimated figures.Do you want a press release?If you know enough about the advertising industry, we don't need to do pointless cross-examination every month. Mr Wickenson's voice has become a little ham-fisted , a gesture that professionals avoid disputes with.I think by now everyone has a fairly clear understanding of the advertising industry.More caution, less guesswork, would make the world a better place. Shit!Simon hung up, cigarette ash falling on his pants.He stood up and looked at the square outside the window. The late sunlight reflected the yellowed leaves, dyeing them a grayish golden color.He tried to remember what the square looked like in spring and summer, but realized he hadn't noticed.He never had time to look out the window.His life was always spent watching people in the house, caring for his subordinates, reassuring clients, and enduring the Wickensons and executives and financial reporters.It is not difficult to understand why Caroline resented these people.But at least she still has the fun of spending money. Since he realized the mistakes of marriage, he stopped thinking about all kinds of marriage.Changing from a secretary to a rich man's wife changed Caroline a lot.Or it could be said that she is still the same person, but with a decorative appearance.Now, once alimony is paid, it's all over.Now, as Ennis joked in his happiest moments, he's gay again. Simon walked across the hall and finished his cigarette in the living room.Someone once told him that the taste of smoking a Havana in an empty room added thousands of dollars to the value of the cigars.What a subliminal ad.He threw the smoking butt into the fireplace and returned to the kitchen. He found the bottle of Patrice, placed it softly on the table, and enjoyed the ritual of uncorking: the tin was peeled cleanly, and the long cork was pulled back slowly and evenly.What a great bottle of wine.If you're lucky you can pick up a case for £1,000.Running a vineyard is not a bad job, no pitches to clients, no idiots in the city, no board of directors, a few hectares of gravel and mud to tidy up, and year-end winemaking.Holding the bottle up to the light, he poured the thick slurry into the glass until he could see the sediment at the top of the bottle.Even at an arm's length away, the rich aroma of the wine is still clear. He had just put the glass on the table when Ennis sang Teddy Bear's Dinner in tenor at the front door.Simon smiled.Ennis obviously approved of his divorce, and it was obvious that Ennis was much happier since Caroline left the family. alright!Ennis said, putting down his shopping bags: Harold's food court is very different from what it used to be.It's like a zoo!It's full of people in sneakers, tracksuits, sagging hips, and barely audible British voices.Those poor boys, running around behind the counter.I asked myself, where did the leisurely and elegant life go?But that's okay.I bought enough to cook a simple dinner and walked away! He took off his coat, pulled on a long apron, and started taking things out of the bags.I would like to start with a cold salad with slices of foie gras and then your favourite.He took out a big shank of lamb and added garlic and kidney beans, and finally he got out two packets and a little brioche.Savarin (Note: Brillat savarin, cheese name.) And some small cheese. Simon said: This couldn't be better!He opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of champagne.You will break the routine of a lifetime! Ennis looked up at Simon from the garlic he was peeling and said: Just a small cup for the cook.Simon removed the cork and poured two glasses of wine, and Ennis put down the knife in his hand. Cheers, eh.Thank you for all you do.His hand waved to the packed cardboard boxes piled against the wall. My dear, the sea and the sky will be brighter in the future.You won't want to leave, you've never felt at home here. I think so. The two men drank each other like this. Ennis said: Our trousers don't seem to match the night, not the wine at all. Simon looked down at the soot on his trousers and began to wipe. No, it's not like that, the more you rub, the more it sinks into the pants instead of removing it.What would our tailor say?Go upstairs and replace it, leave it to me, I will take care of it tomorrow. Simon took his glass and walked up the wide staircase into what the designer called the master bedroom.When he walked past the wardrobe outside the dressing room, which couldn't fit, he could smell the faint fragrance Caroline used that lingered.He pushed open the folding door of the closet, and the hangers were scattered all over the place, piled up next to Joseph, Max Mara (Note: Max Mara, an Italian brand.) and Saint Laurent shopping bags, which are half of the boutiques in Knightsbridge The once respectable but crumpled souvenirs left behind by the store.A pair of brown and black Chanel shoes with seldom worn heels lay sideways in the corner.Why didn't she take it away?Simon picked up the shoes and found a small cut in the leather of one of the heels; he threw away the two hundred and fifty pounds worth of shoes for this barely visible blemish. He put his shoes back on, undressed, and laid them on the four-poster.The bed was too big for Caroline's new home.He thought wildly, wondering who would be the owner of this bed in the future.He'd always hated the damn thing.With its frilly trim and billowing curtains, he felt like an intruder in the designer's boudoir.Not only that, but the whole house made him feel that way. He walked into the bathroom and saw himself in the full-length mirror, a middle-aged man holding a glass.God!He looked older than forty-two.Weary eyes, a deep furrow around his mouth, a hint of gray in one eyebrow, and the tip of his straight black hair was fading to silver.If he doesn't work hard and just plays tennis occasionally, in a few years he'll be a pear-shaped old man.He retracted his stomach and exhaled from his chest in one breath.Right, that is it.In the next ten years, we must maintain this figure.Eat and drink less (less of everything), and hit the gym more.boring!He exhales, finishes his champagne, stops looking in the mirror, and walks into the shower, letting the water hit his back like that for fifteen minutes. As he dried himself off, the bedroom phone rang.Ennis said: Chez Nous is open, and in half an hour, we can have dinner! Simon put on his old trousers and a silk shirt with frayed edges (Caroline tried to throw it away several times) and went downstairs barefoot to the kitchen.The tiled floor was cold and smooth, and the feeling reminded him of holidays in hot places long ago. Ennis placed candles and a saucer full of white roses on the table.Next to Simon's seat was a box of Partagas and a cigar cutter.Mozart's piano concerto came from the loudspeaker at the end of the room, streaming quietly.Simon felt refreshed and famished.He took champagne from the refrigerator. kindness?He holds up the bottle. Ennis finds Simon barefoot as he pours his drink.He said: "I can tell we're in a bohemian mood tonight, like bums on the docks, aren't we? Simon laughed and said: If Caroline was here, she would definitely go crazy! Ennis wiped his hands on his apron and picked up his glass.He said: "The trouble is, your whole life is spent on sensitive people who go crazy.Like divine executives, clients, little people in the city, the post-teen kid who runs the creative department that kid goes to the men's room every half hour and comes back with a runny nose and he thinks no one else is paying attention arrive.If you ask me, these people are in trouble.He tried a sip of champagne, looking contemptuous.Of course you won't notice. Ennis put down the glass and began to make the salad dressing, as if punishing them, beating the olive oil and vinegar vigorously until they were almost foamy.He dipped his little finger into the bowl and licked it. It was delicious! Well, that's work, you can't expect yourself to like everyone you work with. Ennis cuts pink foie gras into thin slices and places them in a cast-iron skillet that has been heated on the stove. I won't let them spoil our dinner!He poured the sauce over the salad and tossed it quickly with nimble hands.He wiped his greasy fingers, then took another moment to glance at the pan.Did you know that if the pan is too hot, the foie gras can all disappear and melt!He put the salad on two plates, waited until the foie gras began to bubble, and immediately removed the pot from the heat, and placed the soft foie gras slices on a layer of lettuce leaves. Simon swallowed his first bite of dinner. The lettuce was crisp and cold, and the foie gras was warm and rich.Ennis, across the table, with half-closed eyes, took a deep sniff and studied the fine wine with an admiring expression. Simon asks: Can you?According to the book, when we eat this, we should pair it with Sauternes (Note: Sauternes, a white wine produced in Sauternes, France.). Before answering, Ennis took the wine in his mouth and said: It's like heaven, let's not send it back! They ate in silence like this until the end.Simon wiped the plate with bread and slumped in his chair.I haven't enjoyed it like this in months.He drank some wine slowly, patting it on his tongue before swallowing.What does your new kitchen look like? very scary!Ennis began to cut the lamb chops. The crude and plastic equipment was just right for dwarfs who didn't like cooking.The lessor was quite proud of it, she said, it was specially designed, I said, why was it designed, a TV dinner for one person? Simon rented a short-term apartment in Lulanmen because it was just around the corner from the office.He barely looks at it as the car waits to take him to the airport.What a hell on earth!It's just a place where he can sleep until he finds a space to live in. Well, it won't be too long, as long as we have time, we will find another apartment. Ennis served tender and juicy lamb chops.OK, I won't be nervous, I understand you.Like a trapeze person, coming and going, one stop at New York, one stop at Paris, one stop at Düsseldorf (Note: North Rhine, Germany︱The capital of Westphalia, located on the banks of the Rhine River.), in a hurry, afraid of missing the plane, His temper exploded.While you're in London, boring meetings follow one another.Ennis drank the wine in his glass and poured some more.He leaned toward the candlelight, his cheeks flushed.You know, they don't care one bit in the office. What are you talking about? They don't care about you at all.They only care about what you can do for them.Their new cars, their bonuses, their stupid power games I heard Jorden rant for half an hour the other day just because a client's car was parked in his spot in the parking lot.You can imagine someone telling his secretary: If it's not dealt with immediately, I'll bring it up with Simon.It's sad, you know better than I do.They are all like children. I thought you wouldn't let them spoil our dinner! Ennis continued as if he hadn't heard.There is another thing.It's about vacation.There are 300 employees in the office, and only one person has no vacation in this life.He reached for his glass.If you can guess who he is, I'll give you another drink. Simon held out his glass.I! It's you!No wonder you look sick. Simon remembered what he saw in the mirror.When was the last time he took a few days off?At least two years ago, when he and Caroline were still pretending to be in a nominal marriage.He would have preferred to go back to the office then. Ennis cleared the plates and put the cheese on the table.He said: Maybe it was because of speaking the truth after drinking.You can call me Babbler if you like!I don't care anyway.You need a vacation.He stirred the cheese.A little of everything? I don't know, uh.I'm in a lot of trouble right now. Let go and let Jordan handle it.He'll be more than happy, at least he can use your parking spot.Ennis puts the cheese in front of Simon.Have a bite of cheese, close your eyes, and think of France.You always say how much you love it.Drive straight to the south.He tilted his head up and smiled at Simon.You know how they laugh at people who work and don't play? Yes, well, that makes you rich.Then he took a bite of the cheese and thought of the South of France.In the tempting south, there is warm sunshine, soft air, and a starry sky with the fragrance of lavender, and no supervisor will report.I have to say, it's quite tempting indeed! Ennis said as if winning the argument: Well, just lie down and enjoy yourself!This is what seduction means. Simon reached for the cup.Maybe you're right!The wine was warm and smooth in his mouth, and he felt comfortable and relaxed.He grinned at Ennis: All right!I surrender.What's wrong with just taking a few days off?